DEDICATED fans of Coventry speedway turned out in force on Friday afternoon to support The Coventry Observer’s Save Our Bees campaign.

On a day where brake-less bikes were scheduled to be speeding around the popular motorsport venue for the annual Bees press and practice event, instead supporters stood outside the venue asking one question – why?

Following Bees’ axe from the SGB Premiership, fans have been left devastated with the reality they have no team to support following almost nine decades of speedway history at Coventry Stadium.

Since the last chequered flag fell in October last year, Bees fans have been unsure about the club’s long or short term future following a bitter off-season dispute between stadium owners Brandon Estates Ltd, Bees owner Mick Horton and Coventry Stox.

It was hoped the Bees could continue racing at Leicester, however that deal fell apart as it became more clear a return to Brandon this season would not be possible.

The club now has no venue to race at and has been kicked out of the sport’s top tier.

Two away ‘challenge’ fixtures against Peterborough and Wolverhampton have been confirmed, with campaigners hoping to confirm more dates in the future to keep Bees’ name on track.

Fans of all ages turned out to support our Save Our Bees campaign and – for the first time since last year – saw the stadium itself.

Campaign leader Shaun Reynolds said: “We knew a Friday afternoon would be tricky as many couldn’t make it back from work. But the turnout was great.

“You only have to look at the passion of the fans present today to understand the history and heritage behind this club. This club cannot be lost.

“I’d like to thank everyone who turned out. We’re planning to run a similar event at a more convenient time in the coming months.”

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The Coventry Observer is one of a group of local weekly newspapers spanning Worcestershire, Warwickshire and the West Midlands published by Bullivant Media - each newspaper providing all the latest local news, sport and advertising, in print and 247 on line.